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Q: What is rehabilitation in the first place? What’s it like?

It can be difficult to know exactly what to expect during rehab treatment, since the specifics are based on a person’s individual needs. However, the majority of rehabilitation treatment programs do offer many of the same basic services, which include:

Q: Does alcohol or drug rehabilitation work?

A: Yes, rehabilitation for substance abuse disorders works.

The main goal of a rehabilitation process is to help individuals overcome their problems with their drug-of-choice and go on with the rest of their lives functioning well without it. So, rehabilitation is considered to be successful if a person is able to leave the program and stay clean and sober. The intent of rehabilitation is to enable a patient to be successful in life and avoid the drastic consequences that substance abuse can cause. Some other goals of rehabilitation include:

Q: How long does rehabilitation take?

A: It depends.

Most inpatient rehabilitation centers require a minimum 28-30 day stay. Some people may need a more intensive treatment, and it may be suggested that they stay for 3-6 months in a residential treatment setting. Outpatient rehabilitation is usually recommended on a weekly basis, the standard is about 10 weeks of treatment for at least 5 hours per week. However, ongoing weekly rehabilitation for substance abuse disorders usually continues on a weekly basis for up to a year after diagnosis.

Q: Should I choose inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation?

A: It depends on your environment.

Needing rehabilitation does not necessarily mean that you need to go to a sleep-in rehab. Many people who live in a supportive environment can continue working and still seek outpatient addiction treatment. So, if your family and friends can support a drug or alcohol free lifestyle, you might want to consider outpatient rehabilitation. It is often much cheaper and is as successful (if not more successful) than inpatient rehabs.

On the other hand, men, women, and adolescents who need a major change in environment or who cannot otherwise avoid relapse should attend an inpatient rehabilitation center. If it is difficult to stay clean and sober where you are living, consider taking a break and going to inpatient rehabilitation.

The basics of alcohol and drug rehabilitation

Alcohol and drug rehabilitation is based on the different needs of addicted individuals. Still, there are some general processes that are common to each rehabilitation journey.

1. Assessment. Each rehabilitation process starts with assessment. Medical staff screen you to assess your personal needs, level of addiction, and health state. Then, they are able to accurately create an individualized treatment program that fits your needs.

The assessment is done through a series of physical exams, psychological screening, mental health assessment and drug tests. Once they are aware of the nature of the issue, treatment providers can tailor a treatment plan.

2.Detox (if necessary). Some substances are easier on the body than others, and some create harsh withdrawal symptoms as they leave the system. Almost all long-term and chronic addicts and alcoholics will require medical supervision during detox. In the detoxification stage, medical staff can monitor your state 24/7 and will try to make detox as comfortable as possible. In some cases, medications are necessary to lower the intensity or treat adverse withdrawal symptoms.

3. Psychotherapy and behavioral treatment. This phase of the rehabilitation process is considered to be “the meat” of the program. Certified counselors help you establish the base for future sobriety by addressing the addiction issues that stem from underlying mental and emotional conditions. When the root cause of the problem is identified, counselors and therapists can help you adapt new thoughts, patterns, and behaviors in order to change outcomes.

4. Aftercare. Finishing the rehabilitation program does not mean the process is done. Recovery is a lifelong process and many challenges as resisting cravings, triggers to use or drink again and relapse. After rehabilitation, the recovery process continues to follow-up programs, sober living facilities, transitional houses, support group attendance, job or life skills development and continued psychotherapy.

What to look for in a rehabilitation program

You need to make a few things your priority when choosing the treatment facility where you will start the rehabilitation process.

Appropriate licensing and accreditation – Treatment programs receive accreditation from the state, so check if they have it. Check to see if the center is accredited by CARF, as well. Also, it’s important for you that the program is run by licensed addiction and mental health professionals whose certifications are up to standard.

Effectiveness of treatment methods – Outside agencies gather data and publish statistics about a treatment centers’ success rates. Check to see how these external rankings place the facility, and look online for former patient feedback.

Aftercare services – In a good treatment program, the process of rehabilitation will continue to other recovery services and community support groups. Also, make sure you obtain a discharge plan before you leave the rehab program.

How to make rehabilitation work for you

There are several things you can do to contribute for your success in rehabilitation. Here are some of our suggestions.

Understand that you do have an alcohol or drug addiction problem. Denial is one of the behaviors that only block the life-changing experience rehab is supposed to be for you.

Be open to discussing your emotions and thoughts. One of the main goals of the rehabilitation process is to uncover the root causes for the addiction issue, thus resolve suppressed emotional baggage.

Accept suggestions and listen to the professionals. Counselors and therapists are there to help you and they are not working against you.

Stay for the whole duration of the rehabilitation process. You were booked to attend rehab, so stay dedicated and work on yourself. Leaving against medical advice doesn’t get you far.

Make an effort to connect with other people during therapy sessions. It is good to know that you are not alone, or that your problem is not unique. Sharing the journey makes it easier for everyone.

Keep yourself motivated to succeed and go to aftercare. Recovery can’t be rushed and you should take as much time as you need to make it really work for you.

My son does all drugs. But he keeps putting it off and says he knows what he needs. He wants to go out of state. And I agree with that. He just did meth yesterday.

AleX

10:52 am August 8th, 2017

Helpful information. Thank you!
I would like to point out that psychological help is the key word in the treatment of addiction. This is discussed not only in your article. I also found information on this in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_rehabilitation
Based on this information and personal experience, I can say that quality psychological care is 85% success in the fight against drug addiction.
When I underwent rehabilitation in Canada, in Ontario https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/on/ontario-drug-rehab/ I realized how important the relationship between staff and patients is. The staff of the center sympathizes and understands. Supports physically and morally. They are doing good, their attitude towards the sick is more than good. Doctors wholeheartedly try to help us! And it works! When you feel support, it’s easier to fight! Therefore, if you want to successfully overcome your dependence – find a GOOD Rehabilitation Center. Where you will have psychological and physical help. Especially psychological. I have been rehabilitated and for 2 years now I am not a drug addict! Thank you!

Started on benzos in Nov 2015. After 3 months immediately wanted to come off. Psychiatrist switch...

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Addiction Blog is a network of writers and bloggers managed by Lee Weber. Contributors are industry leaders who are interested in the field of addiction treatment. We embrace new ideas and alternative therapies for the treatment of all types of addiction.

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